Linda Salekwa
- MBEYA, Tanzania, United Republic of
- February 15, 2021
I am an early career scientist, currently working as a Lecturer at Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Tanzania. Professionally , I am a virologists with a vast experience in Molecular detection techniques, Classical virology, Bioinformatics and Statistical data analysis. I do teach Molecular biology, Virology, Microbiology, Immunology, Biotechnology, One health, Vaccine development and Research Methodology. I have an experience of working in BSL II laboratories including molecular biology, serology and cell culture sections for detection, isolation and characterization of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. My research interest is to work on arboviruses mainly on detection/surveillance as well as vaccine development studies. I am also interested to work on researches dealing with Antibiotic resistance, aquatic health and other neglected tropical disease including Trypanosomiasis. I conduct consultancies and trainings in designing and establishment of research and clinical laboratories, Microorganisms detection techniques as well as collection of samples for diseases detection in the field. I would like to do a post doc in advanced genomics, advanced molecular techniques, vaccine development and Bioinformatics.
As a member of DIVINE WOMEN group, we are conducting sessions to motivate and mentor female student in achieving their goals and dreams through virtual and personal meetings. We have established in various programs including STEMFEM ( for female in science), HERFIRST (for female in other professionals), FLYGIRL (for entrepreneurs) and GIRL2GIRL (for mentoring other female in various professional).
Education
I did my PhD in Biomedical Sciences in Tanzania with a research topic on Disease diagnostic and Vaccinology. I worked on Rift valley fever virus surveillance in Tanzania, development of a serological assay to differentiate between Rift valley fever naturally infected form vaccinated animals and to test a novel Rift valley fever vaccine in indigenous species of livestock in Tanzania. Out of my PhD research work I published my research results in a number of manuscripts published in peered reviewed journals and I successfully developed a serological assay to differentiate between RVFV naturally infected and vaccinated animals.
Experience
Currently I am working as a lecturer and researcher in Mbeya University of Science and Technology- Tanzania in the department of Medical Sciences and Technology. My roles include conducting researches and lectures, supervising student’s researches and proposal writing, applying for research grants and writing scientific manuscripts. Currently I teach molecular biology, biotechnology, detection of food microbes as well as laboratory store management. During my career development, I have gained basic skills in performing disease diagnostic assays, conducting surveillance and vaccination studies, biosafety and biosecurity. However, I have worked as a research scientist in two international projects, WHO and USAID funded projects while doing my Master and PhD studies. During my career development, I worked in BSL Level II laboratories performing various assays including Molecular (PCR), serology (ELISA and Plaque reduction neutralization assay), and cell culture assays for detection of bacteria, virus and protozoa as well as testing the safety and efficacy of a novel Rift Valley Fever vaccine developed for controlling RVF in animals. .